Can You Take Probiotics While Pregnant? Here’s What You Need To Know

The road to motherhood is always exciting. Every day is a new experience, even more so since you will be put on a new diet, including supplements.

Yet, one can't help but feel overwhelmed with a truckload of information from people, social media, television, and everywhere else. The more you hear, the more confused you get.

Fret not! You're not alone.

It's only normal to be chary about the food and supplements you take, like probiotics. If you've been prescribed one by your doctor, there's a good chance you need it more than ever.

In this article, you will learn about probiotics, how safe they are to consume during pregnancy, the first-hand benefits, and how to decide if you need them anyway. Keep scrolling!

What Are Probiotics? 

Probiotics are tiny microorganisms that live in our daily consumable food and drinks. They are also called the "good bacteria," which benefit our digestive system and heart health.

Yogurt, tempeh, kefir, and kombucha are some natural food sources rich in probiotics.

However, those who don't consume such foods or drinks can take supplements like SCD probiotics. According to research, two of the most potent probiotic strains are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are safe for long-term use.

Key Benefits of Taking Probiotics During Pregnancy

From improving maternal health to mitigating birth complications, here's a closer look at the benefits of using probiotics during pregnancy.

• High Good Bacteria

It's only natural for a woman to face digestive issues during pregnancy. In some cases, though, it could be troublesome. That's where you need high-quality supplements like SCD probiotics to boost healthy bacteria and protect your digestive tract.

A 2020 study comprising 49 obese and pregnant women had them consume multi-strain probiotics for almost 17 weeks. The results showed an increased diversity of good bacteria (like S.salivarius, lactobacilli, and bifidobacteria) compared to the ones who were on placebo.

• Reduced Risk Of Preterm Delivery 

A 2020 review comprising 18 RCTs reported longer pregnancy length for women who took probiotic supplements in contrast to the placebo group.

It markedly lowered the risk of developing complications, especially during the early stage, where chances of miscarriage are higher.

Besides, consuming probiotic supplements during pregnancy also lowers the risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis, which is a rare but dangerous infection to happens during pregnancy.

• Lowering The Risk Of Eczema In Newborns

Eczema, often characterized by medium to severe itchiness and red, flaky skin, is an irritating condition to have, and more so for infants.

Pregnant women using high-quality supplements like SCD probiotics can hugely reduce the risk of their infants developing eczema. 

One should be more concerned if they already have sensitive skin or have a history of allergic diseases running in the family. However, more research is needed in this direction to determine the relationship between probiotics and reducing the onset of eczema in infants. 

Improving Overall Maternal Metabolic Health 

You can only enjoy your pregnancy if you stay healthy overall. And that's where you need quality supplements like SCD probiotics that boost overall maternal health.

A 2018 review comprising 12 RCTs showed that probiotics consumed during pregnancy can dramatically lower insulin and blood sugar levels.

This could help women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Another 2017 also showed that probiotics supplementation can even lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes for pregnant women over 35 years of age.

Are There Any Side Effects From Using Probiotics During Pregnancy? 

The simple answer to the question is no. But then again, one must remember that no two human bodies are the same. While taking probiotics during pregnancy won't have any adverse side effects, some may not need them in the first place. 

Research studies have shown there's no good reason to stop you from taking probiotics supplements during pregnancy.

A large-sized 2018 review involving 49 publications has shown favorable outcomes from probiotics supplements used during pregnancy. It was not associated with any complications to the mother nor did it increase the risk of preterm birth.

Another 2020 study showed adverse effects of probiotics when used in infants post-birth and not during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Out of the 21 cases, only 3 showed either blood bacterial infections or low birth weight in infants following critical surgery. 

Thus, one can conclude that probiotics are safe to use during pregnancy. If you feel you generally have a good gut and don't need any supplements, you can always talk with your attending medical professional.

Wrap Up

So, there's no strong reason to prevent you from using probiotics during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, there are a few pointers to follow. For starters, ensure that high-quality supplements like SCD probiotics are used to reap maximum benefits.

Also, one must not start a probiotic supplement on their own, especially if you're pregnant. In most cases, your doctor can proactively think about adding a probiotic supplement to your diet to improve gut health.

If you are in two minds, we highly recommend you take a second opinion. Even better, refer to multiple research studies online that show how probiotic supplements improve metabolic health markers for expecting mothers.